Cheap Easy way to do Makers Marks

N

Nic.

Joined
Dec 8, 2014
Messages
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Hi all! I'm looking into different etcher to scribe my makers marks in with...but for the meantime, what's a cheap, but still good way to do this? I'm thinking about just stamping my sheaths for now, but would like to be able to make a mark on the blade.
The etcher I'm looking into is a Lectrotech mk1, any thoughts on that?
Thanks!
 
I have been using an Evers stamp for my mark since the 80's, they are cheap, paid about 25 dollars back then. Not sure if they are still in business.
 
The cheapest way to just make a mark on the blade would be cheap letter stamp set to put your initials on it. You can get it for $10-15 at HF that will last a little while until you get an etcher or a custom stamp.
 
I got the atlas mini etcher and it works great. I upgraded to a different hand pad instead of the q tips.
 
Look into making an etcher from a cell phone charger... there is not a lot to it. The stencils are the more expensive part if you go this route.... but you can even use a roll of material to make one-off stencils.

If you get a stamp you will most likely need a press, anvil or maybe hot stamp.
 
9 volt battery
alligator clips
wire
salt water
q tips
tape (duct tape or electrical tape)
Check youtube, there are guys that use very few supplies and come out with a good maker's mark
 
If you want to step up a bit from a 9 volt battery charger etcher, there are free plans on the internet and discussed on this site for constructing your own professional quality etcher. It takes minimal electrical/wiring ability, a tiny bit more funds than a 9 volt charger, but guaranteed results.

I don't claim that the plan that I offer for free is any better than what is is available out there, but it is based on Bob Warner's and Chris Crawford's design from years ago which is pretty well time-proven. I'm sure that hundreds of people have copied this basic method with excellent results.

Feel free to consider the plans at HERE.

Mike L.
 
I saw a video of a guy doing it with a battery charger,q-tips and saltwater. He put nail polish on the blade and then scratched an image and his initials in the polish and got a decent looking makers mark.
 
Nic you've gotten some good advice here. I would agree that the bare bones cheapest method is a dremel with engraving bit or a battery.

Michael's design is tried and true, he helped with some of my questions when searching for something myself.

If you don't want to build one and have a little cash here is what I did. I bought this AC/DC variable voltage powersupply used on Amazon for $55. It didn't work but I replaced a fuse and it lit right up.

http://www.amazon.com/Elenco-XP-625...&keywords=ac+dc+power+supply+variable+voltage

It does 5 Amps so I also hope to use it as an entry level anodizer some day.

For my etching pad I found a post by Brian Fellhoelter on a different forum that is worth mentioning. He recommended cheap graphite motor brushes and real electro etching solution. I think I paid $6 for six of them on amazon. I covered the graphite with felt, which I also bought on amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Electric-Moto...pebp=1435718242601&perid=1MNKGAZNB52D12295DN2

I had my stencils made by Patricia at IMG, who I cannot recommend enough. I also picked up her knifemakers etching solution kit which I think is a bargain if you're not sure what type you need or will be working with a lot of different steel.

My etcher is a little atypical but it works like champ thanks to the help from the community!
 
Hi! Thank you all for the advice, it is much appreciated! I will be looking into these different methods and see what works the best! Thank you!
 
logem said:
If you want to step up a bit from a 9 volt battery charger etcher, there are free plans on the internet and discussed on this site for constructing your own professional quality etcher. It takes minimal electrical/wiring ability, a tiny bit more funds than a 9 volt charger, but guaranteed results.

I don't claim that the plan that I offer for free is any better than what is is available out there, but it is based on Bob Warner's and Chris Crawford's design from years ago which is pretty well time-proven. I'm sure that hundreds of people have copied this basic method with excellent results.

Feel free to consider the plans at HERE.

Mike L.
Click to expand...

Very neat plans! I love your makers mark, especially the buck. Who did you get your stencils made by or did you do thm your self?
 
Augus7us said:
Nic you've gotten some good advice here. I would agree that the bare bones cheapest method is a dremel with engraving bit or a battery.

Michael's design is tried and true, he helped with some of my questions when searching for something myself.

If you don't want to build one and have a little cash here is what I did. I bought this AC/DC variable voltage powersupply used on Amazon for $55. It didn't work but I replaced a fuse and it lit right up.

http://www.amazon.com/Elenco-XP-625...&keywords=ac+dc+power+supply+variable+voltage

It does 5 Amps so I also hope to use it as an entry level anodizer some day.

For my etching pad I found a post by Brian Fellhoelter on a different forum that is worth mentioning. He recommended cheap graphite motor brushes and real electro etching solution. I think I paid $6 for six of them on amazon. I covered the graphite with felt, which I also bought on amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Electric-Moto...pebp=1435718242601&perid=1MNKGAZNB52D12295DN2

I had my stencils made by Patricia at IMG, who I cannot recommend enough. I also picked up her knifemakers etching solution kit which I think is a bargain if you're not sure what type you need or will be working with a lot of different steel.

My etcher is a little atypical but it works like champ thanks to the help from the community!
Click to expand...

Very neat, thank you very much! I'll look into that, redneck genius is my specialty, so I'll figure something out:).
Thank you!
 
Nic. said:
Very neat plans! I love your makers mark, especially the buck. Who did you get your stencils made by or did you do thm your self?
Click to expand...

Nic,

I designed my logo and submitted it to Dave at LectroEtch at least 10 years ago. They created my stencils for the first time, and I have continued to use them without complaint for many years.

There are other stencil suppliers mentioned regularly on here, which a lot of members are highly pleased with. . . . I suspect that you will have good luck with any of them if you have a design that you want to have made into stencils.

In the end, (In my opinion) quality stencils, appropriate etchant, and a decent power supply all combine to make a good looking mark.


Mike L.
 
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To follow up to the first reply. Everstamps are no longer $25 lol. That would be awesome! I just paid $240 for my custom stamp from Everstamp. Then another $40 to build a press. Although not cheap, my opinion the best way to get any custom stamp into your blades and are permanent. Otherwise I'd go with phorizt. Get yourself a $8-$10 alphabet stamp set, and just stamp your initials. Wont be the neatest logo as getting to separate stamps inline is quite difficult but, it works, and its cheap. Good luck! It took me a long time to get over the fact that for what I wanted, (custom logo, very neat, clean, permanent). I had to spend money. And I don't regret it one minute.
 
If you go the electro-chem route, regardless of how deep you want to etch a good stencil is a must imo. I used TUS technologies.
The stencil was only like $13 and the startup cost was maybe$15. So every time you use up your stencils or throw them away with a pile of used sandpaper...:grumpy:
They're inexpensive to replace.
 
Cheap'n'eazy?
Brush some nail polish on the area where your symbol goes, scratch your initials or logo with a scribe, etch with F.C.
 
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